Opuntia humifusa

Eastern Prickly-pear

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Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)

Mid-Atlantic bloom time: May - June
Mid-Atlantic fruit ripe: August - October

Eastern Prickly-pear is the only native cactus in the mid-Atlantic region. While edible, its fruit has tiny hair-like spines called glochids in its areoles (the small bumps on the fruit and other parts). If the glochids are not removed before handling, it can cause considerable discomfort.



8 June 2022
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD
8 June 2022
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD
10 April 2021
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD
(emerging flower head)
12 May 2021
Quarry Gardens, Schuyler, VA
(emerging flower head)
8 June 2022
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD
(anthers dispersing pollen, stigma closed)
8 June 2022
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD
(anthers dispersing pollen, stigma closed)
6 October 2018
Zuni Pine Barrens, Zuni, VA
(ripe fruits)
31 October 2016
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague, VA
5 June 2023
Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewis, DE
(open stigma with senescent anthers)
5 June 2023
Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewis, DE
(senescent filaments and anthers)
   



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